10 questions asked by those who have never been to The Ranch Malibu

Thinking about embarking on a transformative wellness journey at The Ranch Malibu? Renowned for its immersive approach to health, fitness, and rejuvenation, this group program is designed to reset your mind, body, and spirit. To help you decide if it’s the right fit, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about this exclusive retreat.

1. What does "The Ranch" include?

The Ranch Malibu offers a structured wellness program that blends physical activity, nutrition, and relaxation. Your stay includes:

Daily Activities: Guided morning hikes, afternoon strength training and yoga, plus meditation sessions.
Wellness Treatments: Daily massages to aid recovery and relaxation.
Nutrition: Gourmet plant-based meals designed to detox and energize. The participants have their meals together, creating a great atmosphere and reinforcing the group dynamics.
Educational Components: Evening wellness talks, cooking demos, and gardening experiences.
Wellness Infrastructure: Access to an infrared sauna, heated outdoor pool, cold plunge, and jacuzzi.

2. How long is the program?

The Ranch offers programs of different lengths to suit various wellness goals:

6-Night, 7-Day retreat: the most popular option, providing a full-body reset. The usual The Ranch format, which most guests love.
Extended stays: add one night before or after, to enjoy the program even more.
Stay several weeks: enjoy not 1 but 2 programs, or even more, and experience an even deeper transformation.

Because The Ranch is a life-changing wellness experience and such an enjoyable one, many participants return regularly, often on a yearly basis.

3. What is the cost of "The Ranch"?

The Ranch Malibu is an all-inclusive retreat, with rates starting at $7,600 per person for double occupancy and $9,200 for single occupancy + a 16% service charge. Pricing includes accommodations (6 nights), meals, fitness sessions, and daily massages.

In addition, Serenity Ways clients enjoy the following amenities at The Ranch Malibu:

1 additional massage, or 1 chiropractic session or 3 cryotherapy sessions (value 250$)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

In addition to the program cost, you'll need to take your travel cost into account (The Ranch can arrange your transfers from LAX), as well as a decent pair of hiking shoes if you don't have one yet. Remember to use those shoes a few times before your retreat, otherwise your feet will probably hurt!

4. What are the accommodations like?

Guests stay in private cottages, beautifully designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Each space is peaceful, comfortable, and perfect for post-activity relaxation.

As part of The Ranch schedule, participants are invited to have a nap after lunch, which is a great way to regenerate the body after the intense morning hike. So you will enjoy the charm of your cottage.

This video from The Ranch Youtube channel shows what the cottages are like:

5. What kind of meals are served?

The retreat focuses on a clean, plant-based diet with meals that are organic, locally sourced, and expertly prepared to nourish and detox the body. In addition, The Ranch organically produces a number of vegetables, therefore part of the food is farm-to-table, which is even better for the body.

The diet at The Ranch s calibrated at 1400 cal / day, but it's very well designed so that you don't feel hungry, and yet let your metabolism rest and cleanse for a profound detox.

The meals are taken with the other participants, with a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It's a very important ingredient of The Ranch's approach and success.

The following video from Bridgette Becker is great at explaining why this nutrition is great for the objectives of The Ranch program, and what kind of discomfort you may expect, as well as how to prepare for your retreat.

6. Do I need to be super fit to participate?

No! While the program is physically challenging, it’s tailored to accommodate different fitness levels. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace.

If you can walk, and if you're willing to embrace your own transformation, you're good to go for The Ranch.

On the other hand, if you're an athlete, The Ranch will make you push harder so that you can leverage your capacities, enjoy the experience, and reap the benefits of The Ranch unique method.

Because The Ranch program involves a good dose of hiking, you are invited to take good care of your feet before your retreat: 3 months before the retreat, if you can, start hydrating your feet before you go to sleep, with a very nurturing cream. It's easy to do, and it will make your physical effort a lot easier if you don't add pain from blisters!

7. What health and wellness benefits can I expect?

The Ranch Malibu is designed to help guests:

Get back to exercise (if they're not exercising enough), breaking away from their routine, from stress and unhealthy life-style habits
Lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way
Immerse in nature, learn how to reduce stress and handle "good" stress well, while also improving mental clarity
Increase endurance, strength and overall fitness, as well as appetite for exercise
Establish a long-term wellness routine in a fun manner that you will want to adopt for the rest of your life

Those who are interested in deeper insights can get additional services, treatments or sessions, but "The Ranch" program is already great in itself. The additional services offered at The Ranch are available at an extra cost. Here's a summary of what is available:

Physical therapies

Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese healing practice that restores balance, relieves pain, and promotes overall well-being by stimulating energy flow.
Chiropractic Care: Helps align the body, alleviate pain, and enhance movement and function.
Cupping Therapy: Uses suction cups to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and support stress relief, digestion, and sleep quality.
Extended Massage: Upgrade to a 100-minute session for deeper muscle relaxation, pain relief, and improved flexibility.
Private Fitness & Yoga: Customized sessions tailored to your fitness level and goals, guided by expert trainers.

Mental & energy therapies

Energy Healing: Clears emotional blockages through a mix of counseling, sound therapy, and energy work, enhancing clarity, creativity, and focus.
Somatic Energy Release Therapy: A gentle touch therapy that helps release stored physical, chemical, or emotional stress within the nervous system.
Reiki: A Japanese healing technique using touch or non-touch methods to restore energy balance on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Hypnotherapy: A deep relaxation method that helps release fears and negative patterns while fostering self-awareness and authentic expression.

Clinical & detox treatments

Colon Hydrotherapy: A cleansing treatment that removes toxins and waste buildup to improve digestion, immune function, and vitality.
IV Therapy: Delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream to enhance energy, metabolism, and recovery. Options include NAD+, Detox, Immunity, Lipotropic Fat Burning, and Recovery infusions.
Pre/Post Program Cholesterol Testing: Available exclusively in Malibu, this test tracks the impact of The Ranch’s lifestyle on your cholesterol levels over just one week.

8. What are the staff’s qualifications?

The Ranch employs a team of highly experienced wellness professionals, including fitness trainers, massage therapists, and nutritionists, ensuring expert guidance throughout your stay.

Their YouTube videos are a gem, check their YouTube channel.

For example this one with Bobby and Carlos:

9. What do past guests say?

The Ranch is a very different experience compared to a program in a wellness clinic or a traditional destination spa. Most participants love it, and are absolutely into the group vibes and the approach offered by The Ranch. Guests typically rave about their The Ranch experience, citing significant weight loss, increased energy, and mental clarity as some of the top benefits.

For many, The Ranch is a life-changing experience, with a clear "before" and "after". This includes a number of participants who were already living a really healthy life before.

10. How do I book "The Ranch"?

You can book directly with The Ranch Malibu, but we strongly recommend booking through Serenity Ways. Why? Because we offer:

Exclusive Perks: Enjoy a complimentary massage credit, early check-in, or late check-out.
Expert Guidance: We help tailor the experience to your personal wellness goals.
Seamless Booking: We handle all the details, so you don’t have to.